Yoga & Cultural Heritage Retreat in Guatemala

THE SCHEDULE

Saturday
3 pm | Arrival and Check-in
Asana Practice
Dinner and Welcome Ceremony
General Schedule

• 8:30 am Light Breakfast
• 10:00-12:30 pm Asana
• 1 pm Lunch
• Free Time
• 5-6:15 pm Asana
• 6:30 pm Dinner
• Some evenings will include philosophy discussion or special activities

The actual schedule varies per day.  We will usually have two yoga-related activities together each day, whether it be pranayama, asana or group discussion.

The morning classes will be asana classes geared toward all levels.  You may want to swim in the lake before or after class!

The afternoon classes will be geared toward your specific interests and include restorative asana. We can focus on typical conditions we all face such as back pain, and issues in the neck and shoulders. These two afternoon sessions will help retreat participants and serve as teacher education for those who teach.

We will have some afternoons free for activities on your own, which could include:

• Get a mayan horoscope reading, sweat in the temazcal or explore the many healing traditions at Villa Sumaya
• Massage, energy therapy, reflexology or other spa treatments
• Kayak or hike to San Marcos.
• Chichi Market visit.  An incredible regional market.  Enjoy visiting the Mayan Catholic churches there.
• Reading a book
• Napping in your hammock

In our final day we will gather together over a traditional Mayan fire ceremony led by a local shaman. Bring an intention and prepare to learn something about yourself.

Saturday:
7:00 am | Final Class
8:30 am | Final Breakfast & Check out
9:30 am | Departure

Schedule any plane transport for 2:30 pm or later to allow you sufficient time to get to the airport.

WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?

Our yoga classes are suited for people who have at least 1 year experience studying Iyengar Yoga consistently.

There are plenty of hills! You must be physically able to walk on your own and climb stairs.

“In a week, I got to just ‘be’. Starting the day with pranayama without having to rush to start my day was invaluable. And then I got to practice a lot of yoga with Heather and receiving her precise adjustments. And to top it off, every morning I woke up to the steadiness of the volcanoes across the lake, ate well, and learned so much about the Mayan culture in Guatemala.” ~ May Mei Chong

THE EXPERIENCE

Cradled by rural highlands and lush forests, Lake Atitlan is a breathtaking beauty framed by three majestic volcanoes. The lake is known to attract travelers in search of soulful reconnection. Resting in a secluded lakeside cove, Villa Sumaya is an eco-chic sanctuary dedicated to holistic practices, and preserving Mayan tradition.  You will experience an eco-friendly wellness retreat perfect for self-care, refreshing perspectives and renewing energies.

This program is especially aimed at adventurous people with an interest in personal growth, self-inquiry and conscious connection with oneself and fellow travelers.  A retreat is a quiet place that you go to in order to withdraw from the regular routine of daily life and rest in a private place.  So you should feel comfortable keeping your phone away (for the most part).

This retreat focuses on spiritual study and self-care. In addition to yoga practices, you can expect to attend several ceremonies both Mayan and Yoga related.  And, you will likely want to book several treatments with their Holistic Health & Spa team on site.

“I’m so grateful to have been a part of this unique group and practice and learn from one another. Heather: you have a special skill of curating top notch retreat experiences–on and off the mat. I appreciate you and Tiffany and all behind the scenes time and coordination efforts. Villa Sumaya team is next level – all of the services offered, and the exquisite meals, knowledge and support. I felt welcomed from the moment I stepped off the boat to our departure. I loved the ease and trust with which the retreat center operated… It felt so right. Learning about the local villages, and Mayan weaving collectives, and Mayan cosmovisions, and Mayan Sacred Fire Ceremony was incredibly special. I’ll marinate in those lessons and spiritual guidance for a long time. The location of Villa Sumaya is a wonder of spiritual energy—I truly experienced living and breathing at a different vibration – that was a new sensation. I hope to return some day.” ~ Sarah Jo Neubauer

THE CULTURE

Each of the 12 villages around the lake has its own distinctive style, revealed through the traditional dress of the women. Most men now wear western clothing, but if you walk around town, you will undoubtedly spot one or two dressed in the traje of his pueblo.

The Guatemalan countryside is far away from the tourist hordes.  That is why we picked it! After years of traveling across Central and South America, this location seemed ideal:  A professional retreat center able to handle a group of contemplative yogis, a breath-taking natural landscape, and a unique cultural environment both welcoming to tourists and supportive of the indigenous people who live there.

There will be time dedicated to exploring the villages around the lake.  This region offers many of our favorite things: chocolate, coffee, inspiring food markets and magnificent textiles.  We cannot wait to share it with you!

GETTING THERE

Fly into the international airport in Guatemala City (GUA). Right now, many airlines are offering flights at excellent rates.  Check out Avianca, Alaska, American and United as a start to get there.  Returning to SFO, there is a 3:45 departure on American that would be excellent.

If you have time, on your way in, we recommend you fly into Guatemala City and go directly to Antigua for a night or two. Antigua is place of rare beauty, major historical significance and vibrant culture. It is a must-visit destination in Guatemala, and an easy place to rejuvenate after your travels. A former colonial capital, Antigua is easy to navigate on foot and offers a magnificent introduction to Guatemala with cobblestone streets, bustling plazas and excellent food.  We can pre-arrange a van to meet you at the airport and take you to Antigua.  On the day of the retreat, a group van will take participants to the lake.

Or, you can go from Guatemala City directly to the lake, about 3-hours journey from the airport. We can pre-arrange a van to meet you.

The vans will take us to Panajachel, the commercial center closest to Villa Sumaya. From Panajachel, we  take a 10-minute boat ride directly to the docks of Villa Sumaya. Villa Sumaya staff will be waiting for us at the dock once we arrive.

For the return flight, schedule plane transport for 2:30 pm or later to allow you sufficient time to get to the airport.

Please fill out the registration form to reserve your room.